Yi Yi, Low and Behold

Yi Yi (2000). Dir. Edward Yang. A potent well-written meditation on love. One family encounters the progression of unrequited loves from the first stirrings to an almost rekindled former love. Visually, this film is subtle and engaging. Some scenes are shot solely in window reflections, reminding us of the distance and alienation between the characters. This is an incredibly intelligent film. At turns humorous and heart-wrenching, the long run-time shouldn’t be too daunting the film doesn’t feel that long. Although, at times I felt that certain sequences were too long when I wanted to return to various other sub-plots. That is, however, my only complaint with the film.

Low and Behold (2007). Dir. Zack Godshall. An excellent and well-directed and edited entry into the Mumblecore genre. Integrating documentary-style footage of Katrina survivors this film focuses on the personal growth of Turner Stull (Barlow Jacobs). There is a real sympathy for the sometimes unlikable characters. And even though the narrative reaches a predictable climax, that doesn’t seem to detract from the emotional release. Both Eddie Rouse as Nixon and Barlow Jacobs give realistic performances that highlight their ambiguous friendship. Coupled with some beautiful photography the various elements of the film come together very well.